New York Places

The first thing you need to know is that I have dreamt of going to New York City my whole life: to the point that the city had assumed somewhat epic proportions to me. I know; it doesn’t take that long to get there (from my home in the Midwest), it is pretty accessible to many travelers, and though expensive, is not completely out-of-reach. Well, since I didn’t realize how “easy” it was, it took me far too long to get there. When I was finally able to visit last summer, it would have been easy to be disappointed by my dream destination. I am happy to say that it lived up to and exceeded all of my expectations of the people, sights, and sounds. I can’t wait to go back again some day and explore more of this amazing city.


My husband and I somewhat randomly chose to stay at the Roosevelt Hotel for practical reasons–its central location (close to Grand Central Station and the Chrysler Building) and its relatively reasonable cost. We did not know that it also has a storied history. With its close proximity (and an underground tunnel) to Grand Central, many newlywed military couples spent their honeymoons there before the husbands shipped out for duty. Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians performed Auld Lang Syne at the hotel for the New Year’s Eve radio broadcast, a tradition that lasted for many years. The lobby is grand and feels like an old school traditional hotel, like you have really traveled somewhere.



Grand Central Station’s importance is celebrated by the city’s faithful restoration of this landmark to its original classical state. You can almost hear the place speak as you view the history surrounding you. It has a powerful scale, like so many public spaces in New York, that creates a sense of awe due to the sheer size and engineering. This grand scale reinforces the building’s role as a gathering place for the larger community, while it also honors the significance and individuality of each person who enters. When you look at the original narrow wood doors with their worn brass handles, you cannot help but think about how many people have pushed through them over so many years. Since my husband and I are classic movie fans, we have watched many dramatic and melodramatic scenes played out in the lobby. They are so easy to imagine, surrounded by an immense public space with the intimacy of thousands of individual lives that have passed through it. The restoration of this incredible landmark underscores the importance the city of New York gives its important buildings.

If a person could fall in love with a building, I fell in love with Rockefeller Center, returning to it several times during our short stay. Though I already knew it was an icon, I have never seen a building with quite so much soul and spirit. The driving concept behind its design and construction emphasizes its spirit of purpose and function, and reinforces its classic beauty. The different mottoes integrated into the relief sculptures and decorative architectural details around the building create another inspirational design element. The WPA murals are incredibly beautiful, both as they stand today, and as a testament of the creative response to those tumultuous times. As a vibrant working building complex that houses NBC studios and many other institutions, it is amazing to me that it has kept its integrity all of these years.

These are just a few of the many places in New York that may give one pause, cause a chill, or even take one’s breath away. It is not too much to say that they embody the American spirit by honoring its history. Though completely in love with Rockefeller Center, I am still allowed a crush on Grand Central. I look forward to my many future relationships with other New York places.

A Visit to Beaver Camp

Those who have experienced the relaxed atmosphere at a cabin “up north” know that there is nothing quite like those perfect moments spent with family and friends those summer days and nights.

I am lucky enough to have a great friend who owns and generously shares such a place. Fondly referred to as “Beaver Camp” (due to its proximity to the home of the Bemidji State University Beavers), the cabin Deidre and her husband Mike Lubarski built is a true labor of love. Labor because: they did most of the work themselves, with the help of friends; love because: it incorporates both their combined interests as well as their wish for all who visit to have a completely fun-filled stay. Deidre would laugh loudly at such a lofty description, preferring “Party Place” to any other name.

Any visit to the cabin, no matter how short or long, whether holiday-laced or a mere midweek getaway, is a party; Deidre always sees to that. The cabin itself, its witty design enhanced by Deidre’s artistic talents, has personality that beckons and provides an inviting, cozy feeling. A saying painted on a valance in the cabin promises, “Big Fun in a Teeny Tiny Place”; it does indeed deliver, though the cabin never feels too small.

The anticipation begins long before our arrival, as my good friend (and former job share partner) Julie and I return to our on-the-way-to-the-cabin destinations. Our journey to the cabin has taken on some traditions of its own: coffee and a treat, a stop at the outlet mall, and the Royalton Dairy Queen all may find their way onto our agenda. We always forget to check when we left or our miles driven, always guessing at our arrival time, but no matter. Deidre is always there to greet us, often in costume, always with refreshments in hand. As we drive the last highway to the cabin, we hope that each sign is the one for the quaint local winery, the last landmark before our turn onto the cabin’s drive.

As we glimpse the cabin’s cheerful red shutters, the anticipation builds; what will she be wearing? Not just what she will be wearing, but what hint it will give of the visit’ activities. She may be wearing a Mrs. Cleaver 50s housewife dress, her hair pulled back and her lips painted bright red, her swimsuit (a two piece she maintains she is far too old to wear, but doesn’t care and wears it anyway), or in winter, maybe an elf costume? Let the party begin; the outfit usually gives a pretty good clue as to the weekend’s activities and of course, refreshments. With an energy level that inspires pure envy in Julie and me, Deidre provides delicious meals (which she insists on never repeating) and seasonal beverages, activities, and of course, crafts.

We have been fortunate enough to visit during each season, each with its own character. Summer at a cabin on the lake in Minnesota is fairly obvious in its benefits, but each season has something wonderful to show and tell. In every season, our anticipation is always rewarded by the great time we have at Beaver Camp. The music is loud and the laughter is louder as we re-convene at the place that reminds us: to stay still (for a moment), to watch the sky (morning and night), and most importantly, to spend time with good friends in an inspired, beautiful place.




Deidre carefully prepares her traditional morning caramel latte and poses by the cabin with daughter Nina